Keele University

What you'll study

This postgraduate pre-registration programme combines theory, clinical skill development and supervised practice to prepare you for registration as an Adult Nurse. Teaching covers core areas such as professional nursing practice, health assessment and clinical decision-making, pharmacology and medicines management, long-term conditions, acute and emergency care, palliative and end-of-life care, and applied research methods.

Learning is delivered through lectures, seminars, simulation-based learning in the clinical skills centre, case-based teaching and extensive practice placements with NHS and social care partners. You will also engage in interprofessional learning with students from other health disciplines to reflect contemporary team-based care.

• Foundations of Nursing Practice and Professionalism
• Clinical Assessment, Decision Making and Skills
• Pharmacology and Medicines Management for Nursing Practice
• Care of the Adult with Complex and Long-term Conditions
• Acute and Emergency Care in Adult Nursing
• Care at the End of Life and Palliative Approaches
• Leadership, Quality Improvement and Service Development
• Research Methods and Evidence-based Practice, including a project or dissertation
• Consolidated Practice Learning: supervised placements across hospital and community settings

The programme leads to eligibility to apply for registration on the professional register for Adult Nursing, subject to meeting practice, professional and academic requirements.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally required to hold a UK undergraduate degree (or international equivalent) in any discipline at a level acceptable to the university. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate relevant experience or insight into nursing and adult care, evidence of suitability for practice, and the ability to study at master’s level.

Successful applicants must meet professional and statutory requirements prior to commencing practice placements; these include an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, occupational health clearance (including immunisation status), and provision of satisfactory references. International applicants must meet the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate study.

Selection involves review of academic and professional documentation and a selection interview or assessment day focused on values, communication, and person-centred care. Specific entry criteria may vary, so candidates should consult the university admissions guidance for full details.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared to work as Registered Adult Nurses across NHS trusts, community services, primary care, private healthcare and third-sector providers. Typical early-career roles include staff nurse positions in medical, surgical, emergency, community or specialist adult services.

With experience and further postgraduate education, career pathways include specialist nursing roles (such as tissue viability, diabetes care or critical care), advanced clinical practice, nursing management, education, research and service development. The degree also provides a foundation for professional qualifications such as independent prescribing or advanced practitioner training, which require additional study and experience.

Why study at Keele University

Keele combines strong clinical partnerships with an emphasis on small-group teaching and interprofessional learning. Students benefit from well-equipped clinical skills and simulation facilities that allow safe practice of procedures and scenario-based decision-making before entering clinical placements.

The university works closely with local NHS trusts and community providers to offer diverse practice opportunities across acute and community settings. Keele’s academic staff include experienced nurses and research-active clinicians who support students in translating evidence into practice and undertaking applied research projects relevant to contemporary adult nursing.

Keele’s campus environment, student support services and focus on student wellbeing help maintain balance during intensive clinical and academic training, while careers support teams assist with transition into the workforce and longer-term professional development.